On this episode I share about the creative rut I have been in the past few weeks. I was in a space of feeling dread to work on anything the last two weeks and I take time to share why in hopes that if others feel this way they can relate. I also share what I did to get out of it. Being transparent when creating is a goal of mine, so hope this short episode resonates. Please reach out if you ever need to chat and know that the work you do matters. Chef Kaywork Memorial Podcast: https://open.spoti...
May 19, 2021•21 min
This episode is a re-upload of an earlier episode recorded and published in 2019. It is an interview with Chef Brian Kaywork, a Chef Instructor at The Culinary Institute of America. Chef Kaywork passed away this past week and myself and many more were truly devastated by this loss to the food industry. This was one of the first episodes of the show and Chef Kaywork details his career, thoughts on food, and his thoughts on teaching in the episode. I am reposting this in the hopes of sharing his l...
May 04, 2021•59 min
On this episode I go in depth into some of the major issues causing the shortage of cooks. In this episode I get personal and go in depth on why I left restaurants due this issue. I then spend time sharing some data and anecdotal stories of the issues cook's are facing including: mental health, financial insecurity, and burnout. I then share some thoughts on how we can support those who sharing their issues during this time. We need to listen to those in the industry if we want to fix the issues...
Apr 28, 2021•59 min
On this episode I chat with the creator of Family Meal newsletter, Andrew Genung. Andrew is the creator of Family Meal newsletter, a twice-weekly news roundup for and about the restaurant industry. His work has been cited in the Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, NPR, Eater, Taste, and more. In the episode we talk about the cook shortage, current food media, Tock, and much more. Subscribe to Family Meal: https://familymeal.substack.com/subscribe?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&am...
Apr 21, 2021•1 hr 3 min
On this episode I chat with Farmer Lee Jones of The Chef's Garden. We talk about his family farm and the work to grow for those within the food industry. We also talk about underrated vegetables, his current work on growing for Chef's, and even the exciting announcement of his new book. A great podcast for anyone interested in regenerative agriculture, farming, restaurants, or cooking in general. Pre-Order the book The Chef’s Garden: A Modern Guide to Common and Unusual Vegetables—with Recipes h...
Apr 14, 2021•35 min
On this episode I chat with the crew from Black Box Bakery. Black Box Bakery is a wholesale and online retail bakery, dedicated to bringing unique laminated pastries to the city of Denver. Accompanied by a whimsical space theme, Black Box Bakery is looking to give Denverits an out of this world experience. Megan, Arielle, and Ty all share the story of starting this business in 2019, and the journey it has taken them on since. A great podcast for anyone interested in business, baking, teamwork, a...
Apr 07, 2021•1 hr 6 min
On this episode I chat about certain issues that people in restaurants are facing right now. I begin by sharing the issue that restaurant operators are facing with a lack of a labor pool to hire from. This doubled with restrictions on dining this past year has left some owners in very troubling situations. I then talk about the cook's dilemma and how for some working in restaurants is simply not feasible. I also talk about roadblocks such as the idea of paying dues, a lack of understanding of wh...
Mar 31, 2021•36 min
In this episode I share some lessons I learned in regards to being passionate about your work. I also share the idea of work/life balance, and reflect on how absurd it can be to think someone is not as good of a cook for wanting balance outside of work. Hope this brings value, and let me know your thoughts. Please leave a review if you are on Apple! Follow the blog at linecookthoughts.com
Mar 24, 2021•34 min
On this episode I chat with Chef Sebastien Salomon. We talk about the impact his mother and grandmother had on him as a Chef. We also talk about his goal to be the first Haitian 3 Michelin Starred Chef, his time working at the White House, and his goals for the years to come. Check out his instagram @kuisineking for some great food content. Listen to his rooms on Clubhouse by following "Chef Sebastien" Check out his website at https://www.kuisinekaters.com/ Go to linecookthoughts.com for the off...
Mar 20, 2021•36 min
On this episode I chat with Edna. Edna is a financial planner, formerly a cook, and runs an agency helping people with their personal finances. She shares why she joined the food industry and how the pandemic gave her a passion to transition into personal finance. She then gives basic financial information, and explains why budgeting and saving is so important. Follow Edna @ednaeller_ on IG Check out linecookthoughts.com for the official blog, including one written by Edna!
Mar 10, 2021•38 min
On this episode I talk about the idea of creativity, and how applying your passion for plating with the same intensity in areas such as food business can be career changing. I then share why you need to be on Clubhouse if you are a food industry worker. Finally. I touch on Imposter Syndrome and why it can not hold you back. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Go to www.duanekbrown.com and use promo code "linecookthoughts" for 50% off of coaching services. Offer good until March 6th, 2021 Check out...
Mar 03, 2021•33 min
On this episode I chat with Lamees Attar-Bashi. Lamees AttarBashi is an MBA Engineer turned Tv chef & personality, An international culinary enthusiast with a focus on representing Middle Eastern cuisine in a very fun and approachable way, debunking a lot of misconceptions on how hard or long it can be by showcasing short cuts & easy steps on how to cook her food! Middle Eastern food is rich with flavor, taste and unique delicious dishes and its not just shawarma, hummus & falafel so...
Feb 24, 2021•46 min
On this episode I spent the last few weeks asking those in the industry this question: "If you could go back in time and tell yourself any piece of advice in regards to starting out in food, what would it be?" I share some amazing pieces of advice from all of the people that shared, and also contemplate what I would have told myself. Some great content in here for anyone, whether you are just starting out or have been experienced for years in the business of food. Please visit www.duanekbrown.co...
Feb 11, 2021•35 min
On this episode I chat with Kendall Beach. A graduate from The Culinary Institute of America, Kendall is the Kitchen Producer for The Babish Culinary Universe. In the episode we talk about her entering the industry, graduating during a Pandemic, and landing a role with one the most prominent food media creators of our time. We also discuss my hate for American Cheese, and NYC Bagels.
Feb 03, 2021•58 min
On this episode I discuss a topic that many of you have shared with me. I asked cooks directly what people do not understand about those in the food industry, and they share. Whether it be the long hours, the education needed to do the work, or how little they feel valued I discuss a lot of the issues cooks face in this episode.
Jan 27, 2021•33 min
On this episode I chat with Val Goodrich about her self published food magazine: Good, Rich Life. We talk about the independent work she did to bring the magazine to life, how she curated her content, and future plans for food media. Get the magazine at https://www.goodrichlifemag.com/
Jan 17, 2021•35 min
On this episode, I chat with photographer and artist Joseph Weaver. We chat about his photography career, and how he gets great shots of food and the people who create it. We then talk about modern Kintsugi, an art style focused on restoring broken ceramics. A great conversation with someone who has taken different paths in our diverse industry.
Jan 11, 2021•45 min
On this episode I chat with Chef Sophie Lynn. We chat about her career so far, managing it during the pandemic, and taking the role of Executive Chef. She shares how she has achieved her goals, the work it took, and what she is aiming for in the future. Finally, she stresses the importance of your team, and why they are integral to your success.
Jan 06, 2021•1 hr 3 min
On this episode, I reflect on the change 2020 has brought me. I then share the top 10 most listened to episodes of this podcast in the past year, and contemplate what the future may hold. Thank you all so much for this year, and I will see you in 2021!
Dec 31, 2020•26 min
On this episode I chat with Lila Johnson about Square One Chocolates. Square One Chocolates is a small, pop-up business on Instagram run by two recent graduates from The Culinary Institute of America, Lila Johnson and Tony Wuesthofen. The two basement entrepreneurs started Square One in acknowledgment of the change that is now required of them, as well as other culinarians, in response to COVID-19. Get official Line Cook Thoughts Merchandise @ linecookthoughts.com
Dec 21, 2020•49 min
In this episode, I address a topic that many have been reaching out to me for. As we as an industry look to diversify our skillset, many are looking to media and building brand as a way to do so. In this episode I share how I got started in all of my various media outlets. From Instagram, to writing, to podcasting I go over it all and give my experience. I do not expect everyone to follow this exactly, but I did want to share in the hopes of creating clarity and a path for those who want to crea...
Dec 12, 2020•38 min
In this episode, I get to chat with Kelsey Shade. Kelsey is a 22 year old social media influencer and freelance cook. With over 335k+ followers on Tik Tok, she has been able to transform her online success into a thriving career path. She shares how she went viral, how she's sustained it, what she is working on now, and gives advice for anyone trying to break through in food media.
Nov 16, 2020•48 min
In this episode, I chat with Chef Taffy Elrod about her career and time during the pandemic. We then talk about what the consumers are looking for in the age of COVID, and what food seems most important to those dining out.
Nov 08, 2020•49 min
The podcast is back! Thank you all so much for the support while I have taken this break. In this episode, I give an update on the brand. Then I dive deep into my decision to chose a different career path in the food industry. I also discuss why you need to dictate your career path, and why any decision now on where you are going is ultimately yours and no one else's. Check out linecookthoughts.com for official podcast merchandise.
Nov 03, 2020•29 min
On this episode, I chat with John Birdsall. We chat about his career, how his writing reflects upon the issues gay cooks face in our industry, and also the impact people such as Jeremiah Tower and James Beard have had on our industry. His new book The Man Who Ate Too Much: A Life of James Beard is out October 6th. Be sure to get a copy! https://omnivorebooks.myshopify.com/products/john-birdsall-the-man-who-ate-too-much-the-life-of-james-beard?_pos=1&_sid=a2087333a&_ss=r. http://join.noki...
Sep 06, 2020•1 hr 38 min
Hello! This short episode is explaining the running fundraiser next month. The goal is to raise $10,000 between September 1st and September 30th. We will run 47 miles to represent 47% of households facing hunger. Hit the link in the bio to sign up, and hope to see you out there! http://join.nokidhungry.org/site/TR?team_id=172458&fr_id=1473&pg=team
Aug 30, 2020•8 min
In this episode I chat with Elzelinde about her start up based in the Netherlands, Upprinting Food. Her company focuses on sustainable food printing, and we discuss how it works, how food waste can be saved, and what is being done to expand the technology to more Chefs. Website: https://www.upprintingfood.com/. Running Link: http://join.nokidhungry.org/site/TR?team_id=172458&fr_id=1473&pg=team
Aug 23, 2020•35 min
On this episode I chat with Marisel Salazar about the importance of rating systems right now. She is a NYC-based food writer, and also focuses on celebrating POC and Minorities in the kitchen through her writing. She is someone who’s career is diverse, and is a great example for anyone trying to chase multiple passions in the industry. Links : https://www.duewestcreative.com/ https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/new-york-state/tags/Eating%20Off%20Duty
Aug 16, 2020•49 min
On this episode I chat with Lynnardo Holland, owner of TheSkinnyFatCook. It is a business focused on operating a platform for people to get exposed to a healthier way of life, with the healthier way of life being focused on eating more real food, being active, and taking care of mental/spiritual health. A lot of great info for anyone trying to better themselves in this episode!
Aug 10, 2020•56 min
In this episode, I chat with Melanie Wong. Melanie Wong is a Registered Dietitian and cook leveraging food and nutrition knowledge with culinary skills to help people foster healthy relationships with food and their health. She is a firm believer in enjoying food and understanding how it got on your plate. When she is not eating, thinking, or writing about food you can find her dancing or tending to her garden.
Aug 02, 2020•56 min